How to Open a Successful Card Laundry Business with Whirlpool-Maytag

As cities in Philippines have recently become concrete jungles, more and more condominium buildings are being built. This creates the necessity for coin/card laundry businesses, as people can no longer accommodate washing machines and dryers in their homes due to their unit’s small space. Card laundry business are a saving grace for those in apartment/condo-living. With the right planning and determination, you can become a part of this increasingly lucrative industry.

I recently attended Whirlpool-Maytag’s event where they have introduced their top-quality machines as well as the opportunity to learn more on how to earn big bucks via the laundromat business. It was where that I’ve found out that laundromats have actually been in existence since the 1930’s in the US. However, the fully-automated self-service machines where people brought their own detergent and waited for their laundry to be done only rise to its popularity in the Philippines back in the late 90’s.  Nowadays, the growth of self-service laundry shops had become so popular because of its high demand. Proof of such would be seeing one in every corner of the neighborhood.

For serious budding entrepreneurs, opening a laundry shop is not only appealing but it also raises the probability of success. It is one of the few business ventures where with a low capital investment, you can even bring high rates of return. Where else can you find a business where from a mere Php600,000-1M pesos—you can have them returned in 18 months? 

Ms. Joy Catiis-Cruz, Exatech Marketing Manager, makers of Whirlpool-Maytag

Many entrepreneurs, who open a laundry shop may have little or no prior formal training in the laundry business. Most simply run the numbers and decide that starting a laundry equals a good business opportunity. While this may be true, the people from Whirpool-Maytag recommends that entrepreneurs conduct thorough research into the industry by talking to them and reading trade literature.

While formal experience may not be necessary, a background in machine repair or a knack for fixing machines helps. Owners who have experience with laundry equipment are able to cut down on the cost of repairs. The good news is that with Whirlpool-Maytag, they give 5 year-warranty to all their machines and 3 year-warranty for the parts. It saves you worries, bucks and fears in case the machine has problems. They’ve got customer repair service centers nationwide.

In addition to the fundamental in running the laundromat, Whirlpool-Maytag also extends its support in sales, marketing and management principles—letting you know the ins and outs of the laundromat business before you even started. 

 “You must have some kind of business background in order to run a business. You need to know how to keep records of transactions, salaries, expenses as well as the cash coming in”, says someone we had interviewed who has worked in the laundry industry for the last ten years.

My friend Rence Chan trying to check out Whirlpool's washing machine

Setting up a laundromat can be an overwhelming process if you don't have the right advice. There are many pitfalls for the uneducated, which can negatively impact the success of your shop. Factors such as location, inexperienced trades, and government requirements and equipment selection can add months and additional costs to your set-up.

Purple Plum Fairy with the Whirlpool washing machine

This is why partnering with Whirlpool-Maytag will alleviate the stress and hassle in setting up a laundromat. Backed with Whirlpool, a well-loved and trusted brand for years, their experienced team will guide you from the initial store selection, through to the designing and opening of your new laundromat. Whirpool-Maytag offers an extended line of commercial and industrial laundry equipment such as washers, dryers, and stackable units for you to select from that offer reliable performance and high-energy savings. Equipped with an Inverted Drive Technology that ensures energy efficiency and high extraction speed which lessens wear and tear on its components. These models also have advanced software that tracks payments, wash cycles, and settings so both the owners and customers can relax sans the worry about their security. 

So WHY INVEST IN A LAUNDROMAT BUSINESS?

There’s a 25-35% Average ROI.

MINIMAL LABOR REQUIRED

Most self-service laundromats operate with little to no staff, resulting in low wage to operate your shop.

HIGH SUCCESS RATE

With the right advice and shop fit-outs, many customers enjoy a high success rate when compared to typical retail business.

WORK/LIFE BALANCE

With the flexibility of a non-staffed premise, you can decide when, where and how to run your business.

SPACE

You will need to evaluate what kind of space you need for your laundry business. The space needs to be big enough to fit several washing machines and dryers as well as space for people to comfortably walk around with their baskets. But rest assured, Whirlpool-Maytag can help you built your business even on a small space. The area also needs to be able to accommodate wires and cords, vents for the dryers, and other electrical necessities.

LOCATION

Something you should consider is how to access and appeal to your client base. Basing on demographics, it’s best to build your laundromat in highly-populated urban areas that will surely avail and require of your services. University students living on or near campus will surely be your best friend! You may want to go the extra step and ensure there are coffee shops and parking nearby; so coming to your business will be convenient for your clients.

EMPLOYING STAFF

Generally, in these types of self-sufficient businesses, multiple staff members are not required. You will probably need one or two members of staff to supervise and look after the machines and your space. The main aspect of employment you should consider is to do with machine repair and electrical maintenance. If a machine breaks down, this will affect your income greatly, if the issue is not fixed immediately. Worry not with Whirlpool-Maytag, they have customer service to assist you and with their warranty, it won’t be a problem anymore.

You can always rely on Whirlpool-Maytag Commercial Laundry to work with you. From equipment selection to installation, you’ll have the knowledge and experience of an industry leader behind you through business seminars they offer nationwide.

Indeed, the laundry industry has a lot of untapped potential waiting to be discovered.

Have more questions? Whirlpool-Maytag Commercial Laundry is ready to help you get started. To schedule a consultation, you may contact Ms. Windy Punzalan at (0917) 8236285 or email mpunzalan@exatech.com.ph.

You may also drop by anytime at their showrooms located in Quezon City, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Bacolod. You may also visit their website at www.whirpoolmaytag.com.ph.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own.